Zal open to talks

27.09.2012

Captain Marius Zaliukas today revealed he is open to talks over extending his stay at Tynecastle.

The centre-half, who skippered the Edinburgh club to victory over Hibs in the 2012 William Hill Scottish Cup Final at Hampden in May, has entered the final year of his current contract but has indicated he would be willing to discuss staying beyond next summer.

Speaking to the media at today's pre-match press conference at Riccarton ahead of the visit of Kilmarnock on Saturday, the Lithuanian international said: "My contract is up at end of the season. It's all quiet on that front just now and I just want to focus on my football and not think about it.

"I've been here six years, I'll be 29 soon and it will be a headache later on! I haven't spoken to the club but I'm open to talks and probably (they) will be soon."

Zal blasted two goals to help dump Livingston out of the Scottish Communities League Cup on Tuesday night and he praised his team-mates for rallying behind him after his second-half error gifted the West Lothian side an equaliser following Danny Grainger's opening strike.

"Of course I was relieved to score two after my trick!" he smiled. "After they equalised my team-mates gave me a lot of support and encouragement which was good."

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